THE friends of a man whose body was discovered at his home weeks after he died have launched an appeal to find his relatives.

THE friends of a man whose body was discovered at his home weeks after he died have launched an appeal to find his relatives.

The body of Victor Robert Hawkins was recovered from his house in Brixham Road, Whitley, at least two weeks after he had suffered a fatal heart attack.

And when the 69-year-old's funeral was held at Reading Crematorium in Henley Road, only his friends Ron Kelly, Ken Hardy and John Knight were present.

Now the three men, who met Mr Hawkins at the Bugle pub, Friar Street, four years ago, are trying to trace anyone who knew him,

particularly his family - if he had any.

His friends say the pensioner did not talk much about himself, but although he lived alone in the

council-owned house, they think he may have a son who does not know he is dead.

Mr Kelly told the Evening Post: "He was a nice old boy who kept himself to himself. All we know is that he lived in Brixham Road all his life.

"We didn't even know his second name until he died.

"As far as we know, he was not married but a few years ago he had talked about having a son."

He added: "He was a quiet man, he used to come around to the Bugle and have a few pints and someone would buy a pastie for him."

Police officers found Mr Hawkins' body on Wednesday, April 9, after a call from Reading Borough Council's housing officers. He was cremated on Wednesday, April 30.

A council spokesman said: "Some work was meant to be carried out in the house and the carpenter who turned up did not get any response when he rang the door bell.

"When he looked through the window he thought that he could see a gentleman sitting on a chair.

He called the housing department who then called the police to the scene."

Coroner's officer Maureen Donnison said Mr Hawkins had died as a result of a heart attack.

She confirmed the death had occurred about two weeks before the body was recovered and no next of kin could be contacted.

Reading police spokeswoman Sian Hickman said Mr Hawkins' body had been taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for a post-mortem examination after preliminary investigations suggested the death was not suspicious.

Anyone who knew if Mr Hawkins had any relatives his friends can contact is asked to call Mr Kelly on (0796) 191 0728.